Lot
73

A JEWELLED AND ENAMELLED GOLD MODEL OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA IN THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON
Designed by Reinhold Vasters, Aachen, circa 1880

Price realisedGBP 223,750

EstimateGBP 20,000 - GBP 30,000

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A JEWELLED AND ENAMELLED GOLD MODEL OF THE QUEEN OF SHEBA IN THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON
Designed by Reinhold Vasters, Aachen, circa 1880
The rectangular ebony base on four bun feet encircled with coloured enamel, the border with frieze of enamelled scrolls and central fruit clusters, the angles each surmounted by scroll and winged female caryatid figure, the Temple on stepped base with balustrades at the angles and flanked by enamelled figures of children and animals, the entrance with simulated enamelled carpet, with standing male figure holding a cup, the interior with the King holding a sceptre with the Queen in supplication at his feet, with open casket and attendant proffering a vessel beside her, the arcaded building supported by male and female caryatid pillars, the roof with simulated overlapping tiles and gemset scroll cresting at the front, on later dark wood base with transparent cover
61/8 in. (15.5 cm.) high; 51/8 in. (13 cm.) wide; 57/8 in. (15 cm.) deep

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Lot essay

The designer has taken the Old Testament subject of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon in which she brings gifts of spices, gold and precious stones to the King. In return the King bestowed on her 'all she desired'. The watercolour designs include images for the caryatid pillars, the balustrades, the children and animals playing on the steps and even the carpet details.

Although there is not a design for the Temple in its entirety, the detailed designs for all the elements of this important model by Reinhold Vasters are in the Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London. These designs include ones for the carpet, numerous details for the temple including the balustrades, the cupola, the caryatid figures on the plinths, the throne, and the various figures around it and the small animals and children on the steps.